In today’s digital world, fraudsters are constantly evolving—and even the most cautious among us can fall victim to suspicious activity. Whether it’s an unfamiliar charge, a login alert you didn’t expect, or a change to your account details, acting quickly is key to protecting your finances and identity.

Here’s everything you need to know to act fast and stay secure.

What Counts as Suspicious Activity?

Suspicious activity can take many forms. Be on the lookout for:

• Unfamiliar charges or withdrawals
• Alerts for login attempts you didn’t make
• Changes to your account information you didn’t authorize
• Messages asking for personal or financial details

If something feels off, trust your instincts—it’s better to investigate than ignore a potential threat.

What to Do Immediately:

Stop and Review

Double-check your recent transactions and account activity. Sometimes a charge may appear under a different name than expected.

Contact Us Right Away

Call or visit your credit union immediately. We can:

• Freeze your account to prevent further unauthorized activity
• Help you dispute fraudulent transactions
• Issue new cards or account numbers if needed

Change Your Passwords

Update your online banking and email passwords. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication if available.

Document Everything

Keep a detailed record of:

• The suspicious activity you noticed
• Dates and times of any unauthorized transactions
• Who you spoke with at your financial institution
• Any emails, texts, or letters related to the incident
• The suspicious activity you noticed

Report the Incident

Depending on the nature of the activity, you may need to do one or more of the following:

• File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Contact your local police department
• Notify the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report

Monitor and Stay Protected Going Forward

Once the immediate threat is handled, stay vigilant:

• Review your account statements regularly
• Set up transaction alerts for real-time updates
• Check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com for any new accounts or inquiries
• Stay informed about current scams and phishing tactics

Discovering suspicious activity in your account can be stressful—but you’re not alone. By acting quickly and following this guide, you can minimize the damage and protect your financial future.

For more helpful tips to protect yourself against fraud or scams, visit our Security Center page: Security Center – Directions Credit Union

Stay safe!